Price Guide for 1993 Cent Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $4,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $2,450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $978.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,375.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00
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eBayUncirculated: $15.50 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $650.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $633.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.25Uncirculated: $0.01 – $183.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $42.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $128.29
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $7.99
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eBayUncirculated: $100.00
Design and Specifications of the 1993 Cent
The 1993 Lincoln Cent continued the long-standing tradition of honoring America’s 16th president. This coin marked the 84th year of the Lincoln Memorial reverse design, which was introduced in 1959 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth. The penny remained an essential part of everyday commerce, despite its diminishing purchasing power due to inflation.
| Weight | 2.5 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper |
| Obverse Design | Abraham Lincoln's profile facing right, designed by Victor D. Brenner |
| Reverse Design | Lincoln Memorial, designed by Frank Gasparro |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of a 1993 Cent significantly impacts its value, especially for circulation strikes. While most circulated examples hold minimal premium over face value, coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) can command higher prices. The value increases substantially for gems (MS65 and above) due to their scarcity.
For proof coins, the difference between PR69 and PR70 can be substantial, with perfect PR70 examples commanding significant premiums. Collectors particularly value deep cameo proofs with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields.
Mintage: 5,684,705,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem condition (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 6,426,815,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem condition (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to collectors assembling date sets
Mintage: 3,394,792
Rarity Scale: Common (for proofs)
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarcer in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
Strike quality is crucial for 1993 Cents, with well-struck examples featuring sharp details on Lincoln’s hair and the Memorial columns being more desirable. Luster plays a significant role in determining value for uncirculated coins, with vibrant, cartwheel luster being highly prized.
While not typically known for attractive toning, cents with natural, appealing color can command premiums. For zinc-based cents like the 1993 issue, the absence of spotting or corrosion is particularly important, as these coins are prone to environmental damage. Any unusual errors or die varieties, though rare for this year, could significantly increase value if discovered.
